French Tuba? I don't think so.

[Mr.T439]

I think this e-bay listing is wrong. I think the french tuba has six valves. This looks more like a bass/contra bass saxhorn. Any comments?

http://cgi.ebay.com/RARE-OLD-FRENCH-5-V ... 7C294%3A50" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

The picture below is of a French Tuba.

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Meh. A difference which makes no difference is no difference. There is almost no difference between a bass saxhorn and a tuba from this time period, and the terms are commonly used interchangeably. Some Courtois tubas did have 5 valves - Dillon music has one for sale here.

In this case, the lister may just be saying "a tuba made in France" (and, therefore, a "French Tuba") rather than the small tuba in C we now call the "French Tuba."

[Mr.T439]

True, but if one is wanting a true Petit Tuba Francais (little French tuba) this listing is a little misleading. Don't your thinks so?

Plus the link that he gives for the fingerings are also incorrect for the instrument.

[Donn]

Plus the link that he gives for the fingerings are also incorrect for the instrument.

Yes - while he correctly identifies them for the CC tuba, and correctly identifies his as C, it seems to be an error in any case. Though not a grievous one, inasmuch as those who might need to refer to that chart, would hopefully have enough sense to recognize that this tuba is not for them anyway.

On the other charges, I find in favor of the defendant.

[windshieldbug]

At any rate, apparently the horn IS NOW in France, so by definition, it is a "French" tuba...

[windshieldbug]

Where, only under specific circumstances, it may be extradited. Do you think it's killed anyone?